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Argentina under-20s name preliminary squad for World Cup

Lautaro Martínez and Santiago Ascacibar were named in Claudio Úbeda’s 35-player preliminary squad for the under-20 World Cup in South Korea, which kicks off in May.

After scraping through in the final qualification spot from the Sudamericano, Argentina will not travel to South Korea as one of the pre-tournament favourites but Úbeda still has some wonderful talents available.

Estudiantes midfielder Santiago Ascacibar captained the side in Ecuador and the 20-year-old along with Racing’s Lautaro Martínez in attack will form the core of La Albiceleste’s starting eleven again.

The preliminary squad contains many of the players that earned fourth place in the Sudamericano but there are three notable additions currently playing in Europe. Former Newell’s Old Boys striker Ezequiel Ponce now with Granada, on loan from Roma, will strengthen Úbeda’s attacking options.

Midfielder Santiago Colombatto will come from Serie B side Trapani, on loan from Cagliari and 18-year-old Ezequiel Navarro Montoya will be competing for the number one shirt. The Rayo Vallecano keeper is the son of famous Boca goalkeeper Carlos El Mono Navarro Montoya.

Argentina kick off against England on May 20th and will face hosts, South Korea and Guinea in Group A.